![]() Basava, 12th-century statesman, philosopher, poet and Lingayat saint | |
Founder | |
---|---|
Basava (1131–1167 CE) | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Karnataka | 15,893,983[note 1][1] |
Maharashtra | 6,742,460[note 2][1] |
Telangana | 1,500,000[note 3][2] |
Religions | |
Hinduism | |
Scriptures | |
Vachana sahitya • Karana Hasuge • Basava purana • Shunyasampadane • Mantra Gopya | |
Languages | |
Kannada • Marathi[3] | |
Related ethnic groups | |
The Lingayats are a monotheistic religious denomination of Hinduism.[4][5] Lingayats are also known as liṅgāyataru, liṅgavanta, vīraśaiva, liṅgadhāri.[6] Lingayats are known for their unique practice of Ishtalinga worship, where adherents carry a personal linga symbolizing a constant, intimate relationship with Parashiva.[7] A radical feature of lingayats is their staunch opposition to the caste system and advocacy for social equality, challenging societal norms of the time.[8] Its philosophical tenets are encapsulated in Vachanas, a form of devotional poetry.[9] The tradition also emphasizes Kayaka (work) and Dasoha (service) as forms of worship, underscoring the sanctity of labor and service to others.[10] Unlike mainstream Hinduism, Lingayats reject scriptural authority of vedas, puranas, superstition, astrology, vedic priesthood ritualistic practices, and the concept of rebirth, promoting a direct, personal experience of the divine.[6][7]
Lingayats are considered as a Shaiva tradition or Sampradaya (sect).[11][12][13] because their beliefs include many Hindu elements.[14] Worship is centered on Shiva as the universal god in the iconographic form of Ishtalinga.[15][16][note 4] Lingayats emphasize qualified monism, with philosophical foundations similar to those of Ramanuja.[web 1]
Contemporary Lingayats are influential in South India, especially in the state of Karnataka.[16][17] Lingayats celebrate anniversaries (jayanti) of major religious leaders of their sect, as well as Hindu festivals such as Shivaratri and Ganesh Chaturthi.[18][19][20] Lingayats have their own pilgrimage places, temples, shrines and religious poetry based on Shiva.[21] Today, Lingayats, along with Shaiva Siddhanta followers, Naths, Pashupatas, Kapalikas and others constitute the Shaivite population.[web 2][note 5]
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